Pilot who died in last week’s CA desert Marine helicopter crash ID'd as Maj. Tyler R. Braconi of CA
"Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, 35, was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369 based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton." [Photo (attached) courtesy of USMC]
Orange County Register
October 20, 2025
"A Marine pilot killed in a helicopter crash last week in a remote area of the California desert about 40 miles from El Centro has been identified as a California native, Marine officials announced Monday, Oct. 20.
"Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, 35, was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 369, known as the “Gunfighters,” which is part of Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. At the time of the accident on Thursday, Oct. 16, he was flying as part of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, a seven-week course that runs through Oct. 26 and is hosted at Yuma Marine Corps Air Station.
"The two-seat helicopter crashed at about 7:05 p.m. in Imperial Gables, about 36 miles north of Yuma, Ariz., and 45 miles northeast of El Centro, Marine officials said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
"Braconi commissioned in the Marine Corps on May 5, 2012, and was promoted to the rank of major in 2022. His decorations include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. His previous assignments include a tour with HMLA-267 and service as an exchange pilot to the Australian Army.
“We join the family of Maj. Tyler Braconi in mourning the unimaginable loss of a loved one,” Lt. Col. Christopher Hart, commanding officer of HMLA-369, said in a statement. “Our most valued asset is our people, the individual Marine, and Tyler was one of the greats. We mourn the loss of a ‘Gunfighter,’ brave aviator, and leader that served our nation with humility, strength, and purpose. Our focus is supporting Tyler’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
"A second pilot in the helicopter was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where the pilot was in stable condition as of Friday afternoon, Marine officials said last week."
https://www.ocregister.com/2025/10/20/pilot-who-died-in-last-weeks-marine-helicopter-crash-is-from-california/